Bandokorobana Natural Park
Overlooking one of Japan's 100 famous mountains, "Kaimondake", this seaside park presents a vast view of the magnificent East China Sea right before your eyes. If you visit during low tide, you can walk atop the rugged reefs almost all the way out to sea, delighting in encounters with small fish swimming in the shallows and various shellfish.
Enjoy the tropical vibes and breathtaking coastline at the southernmost tip of Kyushu~
Mount Adatara
Sung about in the "Manyoshu" and also mentioned in Kōtarō Takamura's "Chieko-sho", the mountain attracts numerous climbers due to its easily accessible natural beauty. It's also recognized as one of Japan's "100 Famous Mountains."
Take the cable car up from the Okudake trailhead, then enjoy a relaxing walk on the five-star trail. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the summit~
Nara Kingyo Museum
Located in Nara Prefecture, renowned as one of Japan's prime goldfish breeding regions, this is one of the country's largest goldfish museums. Inside the tourism-focused complex "M! Nara", visitors can immerse themselves in a cutting-edge "Entertainment Aquarium" created by leading artists.
There are about 2,000 goldfish here, covering 38 different types, including some rare breeds! The place is divided into several sections, each beautifully designed to showcase the elegance of the goldfish.
Kyoto Oharibako
Located near Daitoku-ji, "Tsumami Zaiku" is a specialized store with an integrated workshop. Tsumami Zaiku is a traditional Japanese craft that dates back to the middle of the Edo period, using small pieces of cloth folded and pinched to create motifs like flowers and birds, which are then used to adorn combs and hairpins. The vibrant beauty, as seen on maiko's hairpins, is captivating.
Step into a Kyoto townhouse with a courtyard full of seasonal colors. In this hands-on space, you can make traditional Japanese fabric flowers using the same techniques as the artisans. Such a unique experience!
Izu Kokeshi Studio Main Shop
In 1915, a wooden craftsman was dispatched to Ginzan Onsen from the prefecture, leading to the creation of the toy known as "Ginzan Kokeshi." After being featured in the 1983 morning serial drama "Oshin," it's also been called "Oshin Kokeshi," gaining popularity as a souvenir from Ginzan Onsen. Now, the only place crafting "Ginzan Kokeshi" is the "Izu Kokeshi Studio." Passed down from generation to generation, it's also known as "Izu Kokeshi."
They sell these wooden dolls here! The round heads and long bodies are so cute, and they're actually an important part of Japanese culture too~
Umi no Michi Munakata Hall
Since ancient times, the gods residing on the island have been revered as objects of worship, and Okinoshima has remained untouched for about 1,600 years. Located across from Munakata Taisha Hetsumiya, this Umi no Michi Munakata Hall is a facility with the theme of ''Sacred Island Munakata Okinoshima and Related Heritage Sites'', which was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2017.
They have all kinds of fresh seafood here, plus locally grown veggies and other farm products. The restaurant also serves fisherman's and farmer's dishes made with these ingredients~
Shirogane-yu Public Bathhouse
Ginzan Onsen, which prospered as a silver mine in the 16th century, was already a popular hot spring resort during the Kyoho era (1741) of the late Edo period. Its name is mentioned in the "Various Countries Hot Spring Efficacy Mirror" from the Edo era, marking it as a hot spring destination known nationwide since ancient times.
After 5 p.m., it's only for locals, so make sure to go for a soak before then~
Lake Tokura
Lake Tokura, the birthplace of the "Hanagasa Dance" - one of the four major festivals of Tohoku and representing Yamagata - is an artificial lake constructed in the Taisho era. It is believed that the "Hanagasa Dance" originated from the songs sung during the construction of the lake, which was selected in 2010 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries as one of the "Top 100 Reservoirs."
Lake Tokura is famous as a gathering spot for swans.
EBIDOTE Esca Shop
This popular spot is known for its “ebi-fry”, freshly deep-fried prawns, made with natural ingredients. Another item that is an absolute must here is the Ebidote Kushi, the namesake behind the restaurant that features skewers in a special house hatcho miso sauce.
The most famous thing here is the crispy, juicy fried shrimp tempura. Unlike regular shrimp tempura, these are whole jumbo shrimp, each about 35cm long! So impressive~
THE KONAMON BAR RIKYU
Located within the multipurpose complex "MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO" with a view of Osaka Castle's main tower, this bar celebrates "Konamon," the representative local food of Osaka. The goal was to have both domestic and international visitors experience and enjoy this local delicacy. The name "Rikyu" pays homage to Sen no Rikyu, a tea master from the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600) who is said to have perfected "Wabi-cha" and is even sometimes considered the originator of Konamon.
One of the most popular items here is the soft serve ice cream, especially the matcha flavor. It's topped with gold leaf, so you really get that authentic Japanese vibe.